Protect Your Body – Before, During, and After Workouts

Are you a self-proclaimed gym-rat? Perhaps you prefer power walks through the mall or home-based workouts using guided programs. Whatever cup of tea you’re drinking, there are a few universal truths to ensure you get the most out of your sweat sesh each and every time.

Before your workout, make sure to:

• Block out enough time in your schedule. You’ll want to allow enough time to warm up and cool down properly. Don’t cut yourself short on these important elements of your sessions.
• Collect and properly place any equipment you plan to use. Place hand weights, jump ropes, and exercise mats in a space that is easily visible to you and others. Have everything you need nearby so that the progression of your workout is not interrupted unnecessarily, altering your desired heart rate. 
• Dress the part. Select clothing that is fitted to your body to avoid getting hung up on loose fabric. Choose breathable materials and appropriate footwear. For example, a high-impact cardio class may require a cross-training sneaker, while jogging on the treadmill would be better suited for a running shoe. 

During your workout, you should always:

• Pace yourself. Strive to meet your personal goals and compete with your own past performances, rather than others around you. Everyone is at a different stage in their physical fitness journey.
• Mix it up. Even if you LOVE cycling, make an effort to throw your body a few curveballs. As your body gets comfortable with certain exercises, you may fall into a workout rut. Toss in a yoga class to work on your breathing technique or a dance fitness format to improve on locomotor movements.
• Hydrate. Keep your water handy, and pause briefly to take a sip when you’re feeling dehydrated. As you sweat, you will need to replenish your stores of H2O in your body.

After your workout, don’t forget to:

• Stretch. This step is easy to skip when you’re already tired from a tough workout. But don’t! Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles, improves range of motion, and decreases muscle stiffness.
• Help your fatigued muscles recover. Fuel your body with Moxifit electrolytes, bcaa’s, and protein-dense foods to bounce back after a workout.

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